Suggest Treatment For Severe Cough And Breathlessness While On Niacin

Posted on Thu, 7 Apr 2016

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Thu, 7 Apr 2016 Answered on

Wed, 8 Jun 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : I had the flu three weeks ago and now I have a consistent cough for over two weeks and I cannot catch my breath most of the time. I also have clear/white mucus. My doctor gave me Niacin 500 mg. ,two times a day for 10 days. This has not helped. I awake at night coughing and cannot catch my breath. I cough most of the day which feels I am coughing up my lungs. I have never smoked.

Answered by Dr. Drkaushal85 (19 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Inhaled treatment is needed in your case.

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for your question on Healthcare Magic.
I can understand your concern.
In my opinion, you are mostly having post infectious bronchitis.
It is common after viral upper respiratory tract infection (flu).
Best treatment for bronchitis is inhaled treatment. Since you are not taking this, you are not improving.
So better to consult pulmonologist and get done
1. Clinical examination of respiratory system
2. PFT (pulmonary function test).
PFT will tell you about severity of the disease and treatment of bronchitis is based on severity only.
You will improve with inhaled bronchodilator and inhaled corticosteroids (ICS).
Don't worry, you will be alright with appropriate drugs.
Hope I have solved your query. I will be happy to help you further. Wish you good health. Thanks

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Sonia Raina